Vijayawada: The two-day boat festival at Nagayalanka, also called Navalanka, received good response. The boat race and cultural programmes enthralled the visitors. The huts erected on the banks of the lake allowed visitors to stay overnight and enjoy the atmosphere. Many predicted that Nagayalanka would be another Kerala by next year if houseboats are arranged.
Boat race was held for a second time at this place. This time, the authorities involved NDRF, Water Sports Authority and police to organise things systematically. The vigorous campaign by the tourism department led to participation of many teams in the race. With the vigorous campaign by the Tourism, many teams have come forward to participate in the race. People also thronged the place in large numbers so much so that the police could not control them.
The luxury huts have been a major attraction at the event, this year. One family could stay in a hut, provided with all facilities. The huts could be booked online and all the huts were occupied. Luxury huts, speed boats, cycling and games like treasure hunt were arranged at the place and food was provided to the families. In the evening, cultural programmes and campfire were organised.
Mallikarjun, executive director, AP Tourism, told this paper: "We have achieved our target by introducing new concepts. Luxury huts received overwhelming response. We will continue them on a regular basis. Navalanka will become a new source of income for us. The tourism department is now planning to make all coastal areas into tourist destinations."
The musical night by Vandemataram Srinivas, Geeta Madhuri and others was a big draw. There is a proposal to arrange housing boats like in Kerala. A Water Sports Academy would also be constructed here for which minister Kollu Ravindra laid the foundation stone on Sunday.
